## GOP Rep. Thomas Massie files discharge petition to force House vote on releasing Epstein files

Authored by cbsnews.com

Washington — Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, filed a discharge petition on Tuesday to attempt to force a House vote on compelling the release of files related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, resurfacing the saga upon Congress' return.

Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, introduced legislation in July that would require the Justice Department to release the Epstein files within 30 days.

Although leadership controls the House's agenda and what legislation receives a vote, individual lawmakers can "discharge" legislation that has been sitting in committee.

A discharge petition enables 218 members, a majority of the lower chamber, to provide their signatures and effectively bypass leadership to bring a bill before the full House for a vote.

Khanna told NPR News on Tuesday that he's "very confident" all 212 Democrats will support the petition, along with more than the six Republicans needed to force a vote in the House.

Before lawmakers left Washington, House Democrats and some Republicans had pushed for a floor vote to force the release of the files, but House Speaker Mike Johnson opted to send the House home early amid the pressure.

Massie criticized the move, calling it a "meaningless vote to provide political cover for those members who don't support our bipartisan legislation to force the release of the Epstein files.". »

### Trump can’t use National Guard, military in California to enforce laws, Judge Breyer rules

Authored by cnbc.com

Senior District Judge Charles R. Breyer Source: USDC | Northern District of California.

In mid-August, Trump placed Washington, D.C.'s police force under federal control and deployed National Guard troops in that city to address what he claims is a rampant crime problem.

"President Trump's recent executive orders and public statements regarding the National Guard raise serious concerns as to whether he intends to order troops to violate the Posse Comitatus Act elsewhere in California," the judge wrote. »

### Belgium to recognize Palestine, sanction Israel

Authored by politico.eu

Prévot said two “extremist” Israeli ministers, several “violent settlers” and Hamas leaders would be designated “persona non grata” in Belgium.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously said the move feeds antisemitism, “rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims.”.

Prévot also voiced support for the EU to suspend its association agreement with Israel. »

### Evers signs bipartisan bill requiring consent for certain pelvic exams

Authored by jsonline.com

MADISON — Wisconsin hospitals will now be required to obtain explicit written consent before allowing medical students to perform a pelvic exam on a patient who is unconscious or under anesthesia.

The law also requires hospitals to have written policies and procedures requiring informed consent.

According to bill author Sen. André Jacque, R-De Pere, Wisconsin will join 28 other states with such laws on the books. »

### Jair Bolsonaro faces justice over alleged attempt to usurp Brazilian democracy

Authored by theguardian.com

“Our democracy is going through an acid test and it’s possible it will come out of this strengthened.”.

Claiming Bolsonaro was the victim of a “witch-hunt”, Trump slapped 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports and sanctioned Alexandre de Moraes, the judge presiding over the case.

Even if Bolsonaro was convicted and jailed, “new chapters” could still be written, such as congress approving an amnesty, or a future rightwing president granting Bolsonaro a pardon. »

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